William Webster Watson, 24, of the 4000 block of South Trellis Court in Newport News, was flown from the crash site near the north island to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Trooper Todd Golling said.

Watson's condition was not immediately known, but police said the injuries did not appear life threatening.

Golling said he was amazed Watson survived the high-speed crash that ejected the driver.

As Watson was approaching the eastbound tube, the rented 2000 Mazda Protege struck a guardrail at the entrance to the island. The car flipped and sent Watson, who was not wearing a seatbelt, through the driver's side window, Golling said.

State highway officials closed the eastbound lanes off and on for 90 minutes to allow the Nightingale helicopter to land and clear the wreckage.

Golling said Watson told him he was going about 80 mph prior to the crash.

Police believe alcohol also contributed to the accident. The trooper found an empty 40-ounce beer bottle in the demolished Mazda.

Golling said another man had rented the Hertz car and turned it over to Watson, apparently to circumvent a requirement that customers be at least 25 years old.

Police charged Watson with reckless driving, driving on a suspended license and failure to wear seatbelts.

David Chernicky can be reached at 247-4743 or by e-mail at dchernicky@dailypress.com